BOOK FUN MAGAZINE - FREE READ

Back Cover: Anna
Larson's daughter, Lauren, is confused, brokenhearted, and misguided. It's the
turbulent 1960s and, feeling alienated from her mother, Lauren chooses to stay
with her paternal grandmother. However, repelled by the woman's manipulative
and spiteful ways, Lauren returns to her mother, the river, and the Inn at
Shining Waters.

There, Lauren begins to appreciate the person her mother is becoming--and she
loves the river. However, romantic interests throw a wrench into the works and
Lauren, jealous and angry, returns to her grandmother yet again.

But as time passes, Lauren, now a mother to her own defiant teenager, faces a
new crisis--one that puts the entire family at risk.

REVIEW: I
bought the eBook copy of this book because I was in a hurry to find out what
happened next to Anna’s family. I was glad to know that book two The River’s Call continues the story of
the Larson maternal line all through the late 50’s early 60’s at The Inn at
Shinning Waters This novel begins where book number one, The River’s Song left off.
The main focus of this story is on Anna’s daughter Lauren and the
choices she makes that keep the relationship between her and her mother
strained. Things are seemingly hopeless for Anna as she and Clark manage their
Bed and Breakfast. Lauren is far away and calls are few and far between. This story is told in Anna’s pov. I liked
that.

Anna reflects on her
daughter Lauren’s upbringing and how maybe some of Anna’s choices could have
been different. Maybe Lauren wouldn't have been in this situation and/or be so self-absorbed
if Anna had not lived with her mother-in-law for so long. She concluded she did
the best she could for the situation.

Times where hard when Lauren’s dad returned
from Vietnam wounded. He was a shell of a man. Anna did all she could to nurse
him along but he had lost his fight to live. In the meantime Eunice, her
mother-in-law took that opportunity to bond with her granddaughter Lauren and
take the affection that was due her mother, Anna. Readers got a peek at Eunice’s
dark side in the last book. In this one the author shows Eunice in all her glory.
It’s not pretty. I could see how Anna felt hopeless in her circumstances.

This author interweaves
American historical events throughout that took place in the 60’s. Many changes
take place in our country and in Anna’s life on the river as she and her
husband Clark make improvements to The Inn at Shinning Waters. Its fun to read
about Clark and Anna working together as their love blooms as they create a
peaceful and fun environment for their guests to enjoy. I wanted to go there.
Not kidding! Grin!

What makes this story even
better is the colorful cast of supporting characters. Hazel is Anna’s friend
who is an Indian researcher. She is also Clark’s mom. Clark is a building
contractor who has studied law, Henry is the river boat delivery man. Babette,
is an adorable French woman who is a friend of Anna’s family. Eunice Anna’s
mother-in-law who you get to see up close and personal in this novel and
someone who will get under your skin.

I marveled at the patience
Anna and Clark had when they dealt with Eunice. They kept healthy boundaries
and showed her the love of Jesus at the same time. They would not let Eunice
abuse them or their guests. They had a contagious love that spilled over to their
family and the people God placed in their lives on the river. I love how this
author shows this and how when they fail at loving they pick themselves up and
seek his help to love again.

There is a struggle
between Lauren, Eunice and Anna that is difficult. Anna learns to rely on her
Christian faith, supportive husband and dear friends Hazel and Babette. Life
lessons are interwoven throughout this novel and series. This is a heartwarming
story that will have you look at relationships and family in a whole new
light. I highly recommend this as a
great read and a book club pick. There is so much in this novel.

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REVIEW DISCLAIMER:
Most books reviewed on this site have been given to me. Other's I've bought. I state that in the review.
I will give my honest opinion whether I've been given a book or bought it. I only review books I've enjoyed and gloat about the ones that stirred my soul. I do not post negative reviews.
Books are so subjective. Authors work hard at their craft and I will not shoot them down. Not everyone likes the same things. Some books I loved others didn't. My job as a former book club leader and current book reviewer is to give you a sneak peak into the book kind of like a film critic gives their opinion and a movie trailer to check out. I will give you a book clip. You decide if you like it or not!
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Nora St.Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
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